The Symbol of the Suburb

For all of the negative aspects that architects and urban planners can point out about suburbia, the major draw for those who live there is the image of serenity.  Urban settings have a perception of mystery and danger, while suburban settings feel much safer, and happier – out of reach of the negative influences of the metropolis.  This image stands despite countless examples of crimes and tragedies that have occurred in the suburban context.  As we have discussed in class, movies and literature have pointed out that the quiet, controlled environment that we believe the suburbs to be is merely an illusio.  Yet this truth is too hard to accept.  If the city is a danger, and the suburbs are not a safe haven, where is there to go? 

The shattering of this illusion is not only a subject for Hollywood films.  Following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, CT, residents in the shooter’s neighborhood petitioned to have the house demolished.  The photograph of the home below is darkly ironic.  A pristine green lawn sits in front of a typical neo-colonial white house with green shutters and even a Christmas wreath over the front entry.  The perfect image of happiness and stability – yet inside a disturbed young man ate and drank and slept and murdered his own mother before killing 20 young children at an equally tranquil elementary school.  In this context the image of the house becomes grotesque to the point that it is condemned to death for its public deception.  

One has to wonder though, would the irony be so shocking in a different setting?  Would be so surprised to find this type of person living in the middle of a densely populated city?  Why then do we expect that the suburbs are an exception?

 

image: http://nypost.com/2015/03/24/sandy-hook-shooters-home-destroyed/